Discuss. Franchise price tag has impact on brand value, free agents potentially signing etc al. I'm of the opinion of that more expensive it sells for the better, since it shows how serious and important the Rox are in the NBA sphere. Reference: Ballmer purchased Clippers (gag) 2B in 2014. https://www.forbes.com/teams/houston-rockets/ (says we're worth 1.6B)
Les is doing it this publicly to maximize value. He will hold out for the largest $ amount he can get and fight the NBA to accept whoever offers it. I would say this sale will not be a quick transaction.
2.5B - 3B -MVP candidate in Harden locked up for 6 years -another top 10 player in CP3 on the roster -team is 1 of the best in the NBA and is located in a big city -11th biggest media market -China connections
I think it has less to do with where the franchise is, and more to do with what you can make off the franchise. The clippers are in LA, where everything is more expensive. Some see that evaluation as the starting point, I see that as the top evaluation. We are somewhere near there if not lower. Ticket sales and marketability feel like they would be higher in LA. So I would have to go with something like $1.65 billion.
Forbes had the rockets at $1.6 billion so I think it'll sell in between $2-2.5 if there's a bidding war
The Clippers were only valued at 575 mil when Ballmer paid 2B for them. The Rockets have that China markebility and Harden and CP3 on the roster. I'd say 2B at least.
My guess is 3-3.5B. Rockets overseas revenue is highest or second highest in the league. Great assets under contract, an owned arena, and a shot at an immediate title. No way they don't get at least 1.5x what the Clippers got. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if it pushed toward $4B
Maybe with the new TV deal, that number needs to be adjusted. The China connection is an add, but how much money does this franchise actually make from china in terms of sponsorships. Last time I checked (I could be wrong) things like jersey sales are split among all teams, so even if all of China became Harden fans it still wouldn't boost the rockets above the rest of the league disproportionately.
Les is getting old. Rockets are at a peak. New TV deals are raking in money. Strong revenue from China. In 3-6 years, the TV deal will come back to haunt the NBA. Les knows its time to get out.
I think it's possible it goes 3x its forbes value. There's only 30 NBA teams and they are rarely for sale.
Stock market bubble, sports tv rights bubble, economic recession looming within next 12 months. Les is a smart man with impeccable timing. He is selling this team at the peak IMO.
